Jack Ebner Schafer

Jack was a teacher's teacher. His patience, knowledge and generosity with students like me had a profound impact on the rest of my life. He somehow convinced a 16 year old kid to take ceramics seriously as a craft; with discipline, responsibility and respect. He was always kind, but did not suffer fools, and trust me...I was a fool at times. But ultimately, he was one of two teachers at Del Campo who believed in me, supported my effort, and offered a lot of encouragement and honest feedback....

I had Mr. Schafer as a ceramics teacher at Del Campo High School from 1984 to 1985 and I became his teacher's assistant during my senior year. He was kind and encouraged his students to be creative in their assignments. The students respected him. I remember Mr. Schafer playing country music in the classroom and he even played hooky one day to go duck hunting. Rest in peace, sir. You made an impact on my life and the lives of many of your students.

Mr.S was a completely inspiring teacher to me. In his quiet way he encouraged me and made me feel special. I think of him often in my own teaching career. He made the world, my world, a better place.

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Schafer. He was one of the few Teachers at DC I truly respected and appreciated. He helped me through some rough times by being a stable figure in my life all by just be being himself. I hope his family has peace and I wish to send them my deepest condolences.

I am saddened to hear of Jack's (Mr. Schafer) passing. I was a student of his in ceramics for two years at Del Campo. He left and indelible impression on me as an artist and designer. He always pushed me, supported my efforts, and took me further than I would have ever expected. I will never forget how he treated me; with trust, respect, kindness and generosity. I loved how direct and honest he was, and also how he set a high bar on our behavior...not an easy task considering you're taking...

Sorry to hear about Jack. He lived down the street from me and was an interesting guy. When a developer wanted to urbanize our neighborhood Jack and his wife organized the neighbors who all addressed the Fair Oaks Community Planning Board. He was a good guy with a lot of interests.

Jack was a mentor to me as a new ceramics teacher, even though he had retired. He taught me how to use the equipment that he had set up at Del Campo when he taught there, and generously let me keep in touch whenever I had questions. His legacy at Del Campo includes one of the most professional kiln rooms I have seen at a school, and he left behind some great examples of pottery and sculptures that inspire students to this day. I am honored to have been acquainted with him and to have learned...

My condolences to the family....
Mr. Schafer was my teacher from 1990-1995. Freshman year commercial art, then three straight years of ceramics turned into a lifelong pursuit. Its been almost 30 years of practice in ceramic art. I've studied at American River College, Northern Arizona University, Bowling Green State University in Ohio, taught at many art centers and universities and lectured across the country as a visiting artist. I moved back to Sacramento and have been teaching...

I met Jack as my art teacher, and he became a good friend to my husband Bob and I over the years. He was always curious, interesting, and full of life. Jack had hobbies, projects, travel, and many friends to surround him and Becky. Things were never dull when visiting. We feel glad to have known Jack, and will miss him.